From companies looking to sell your data to oppressive governments, chances are good that your communications are secretly being recorded by a third party.
And because of this, more and more people are turning away from mainstream messaging apps.
Plus, given that Facebook owns most of the social media platforms that are currently available, it’s starting to look like private communications may be a thing of the past.
But fortunately, this doesn’t happen to be the case thanks to the many concerned individuals worldwide who have taken steps to rectify this.
Hence, we can now gain access to private messaging apps that allow you to keep your communications secure.
And in this article, I’m going to show you how you can do just that, starting off with:
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Telegram
Over the years, Telegram has grown from a niche app to become one of the most popular alternatives to Whatsapp – and with good reason.
From a privacy standpoint, Telegram features a secret chats option that utilizes E2E encryption to protect your messages. By doing this, any intercepted messages will end up being unreadable and thus remain secret.
Additionally, Telegram’s self-destructing messages ensure that all records of your conversations are automatically removed.
Unfortunately, all non-secret chat messages are stored on Telegram’s cloud-based servers. That means some of your messages could potentially be accessed by a third party.
Pros:
- Available on Android, iOS, and PCs
- Large user base – more than 200 million
- E2E encryption for secret chat messages
- Does not require you to provide a phone number
- Self-destructing messages
Cons:
- Not open-source
- Messages stored on a cloud-based server
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Signal
When it comes to dedicated security, few apps can surpass what Signal offers you.
Backed by Edward Snowden and officially approved for use by members of the U.S Senate, Signal offers secure protection for your communications.
As a standard, all messages sent via the Signal app feature E2E encryption which makes them unreadable to hackers. Also, the disappearing messages option automatically deletes messages after a preset period of time.
And because Signal uses open-source encryption, the device’s security protocols are regularly audited by cybersecurity experts.
Pros:
- Available on Android, iOS, and PCs
- Endorsed by Edward Snowden and the U.S Senate’s sergeant at arms
- Open-source encryption
- Uses E2E encryption as a standard for all messages
Cons:
- No support for emojis
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Threema
If you’re looking for a secure messaging app that offers a myriad of top-tier security options, then you should check out Threema.
Headquartered in Switzerland – a country known for its pro-privacy laws, messages sent with Threema are automatically protected by E2E encryption. And this includes secure file-transfers, group chats, and voice calls.
Instead of a phone number, you can opt to use Threema’s 8-digit ID to communicate with other users. That way, you can further enhance your privacy online.
Also, it’s good to see that the app automatically deletes your messages after they’re sent.
Pros:
- Based in Switzerland (Neutral country with strong pro-privacy laws)
- Available on Android, iOS, and PCs
- Can be used without a phone number
- Contacts can be verified with a QR code
Cons
- App is not free-to-use
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Wickr
Wickr is one of the older messaging on this list and is the brainchild of a group of San Francisco privacy advocates.
By default, all messages sent via Wickr are protected by E2E encryption. And as an added plus, the company that owns Wickr is regularly audited by neutral third-party cybersecurity experts.
As Wickr is built on an open-source platform, the messaging app’s source code is made available to the public – something that promotes transparency.
The free version of Wickr comes with all premium security features but is only limited to 10 users.
Pros:
- Available on Android, iOS, and PCs
- Unique security features such as screenshot detection and third-party keyboard blockers
- Self-destructing messages
- Regular security audits
Cons:
- Small user base
- Premium app
Closing Thoughts
Keeping your data safe from hackers and the authorities should always be at the back of your mind. You can consult with Tezro other options for encrypted messaging apps, including their own app which is completely safe and is allow used to store crypto assets.
With these top private messaging apps, you will have no problem keeping your communications private at all times.
